WASHINGTON, D.C. - The key aspects of the new global economy are the liberalization of regulation, an increase in the mobility of capital, a movement towards common standards and digitization, according to Lowell Bryan, a director and senior partner at McKinsey & Company of New York. Bryan discussed strategies for asset managers competing in a global economy at the Investment Company Institute's general meeting here earlier this month.
Despite these trends, it is still relatively difficult for U.S. asset managers to penetrate global markets, especially in non-English speaking countries, he said. The predominance of the bank channel and strong ties to national brands in Europe make it difficult to penetrate those markets, he said.
In order to foster global standards, the Securities and Exchange Commission needs to update its rules and not expect U.S. standards to apply globally, said Bryan. The SEC should initiate discussions with large non-U.S. asset managers to reach common standards, particularly in Europe, said Bryan.
Firms competing on a global level should avoid trying to offer a full menu of products and services in which some products are neglected or not emphasized to make room for additional ones, according to Bryan.
"[Companies] have to avoid the mentality that you want to serve everyone everywhere," he said.
